A guide for What to Expect at Our Church
If you’re visiting or new to church, we’re really glad you’re here. Whether you’re a Christian or just curious, you are welcome.
Our church meeting (called a ‘church service’) typically goes for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Some parts of the service involve listening to the person at the front. Some other parts of the service involve everyone saying or praying things together, out loud. The words for the parts said together will be on the screen and a leader will explain this.
A Christian church service is a time to worship God and encourage one another. You are welcome to observe, pray, and sing with us, even if you don’t call yourself a Christian.
What Happens in Our 10:30am Service
A service leader speaks from the front and welcomes everyone. This person may be a volunteer or a member of the church staff.
The service leader encourages us to focus on God. They may read a Bible verse or say a prayer.
We sing songs together to praise God . The words are on the screen. Musicians and a singer help guide the music. You can sing or just listen.
One of our ministers or church leaders will introduce himself and explain any upcoming events. They’ll also explain the kids and youth programs available during the service.
Someone reads aloud from the Bible. Then they invite the children to leave for their program. After the reading, the reader says: “This is the word of the Lord.” Everyone responds: “Thanks be to God.”
A preacher explains the Bible passage and how it connects to our lives.
The service leader invites us to respond to God by saying sorry for our sin. We read a prayer of confession together from the screen. Afterwards, the leader reminds us that God is loving and always forgives those who trust him.
We usually sing more songs
A church member prays aloud at the front on behalf of everyone for people in our church, our community, or overseas. Many people close their eyes or bow their heads when they pray. At the end, we say “Amen” to show we agree.
We say the Lord’s Prayer together. This is a prayer Jesus taught his followers. We often say it in (English and another language) . The words appear on the screen so you can use the language you feel most comfortable with.
Once a month during the service, we share in a ceremony called the Lord’s Supper (or Holy Communion). We eat bread and drink juice to remember Jesus’ death for us. The service leader will explain what to do. If you are a Christian – even from another church – you are welcome to take part. Children can join if their parents are confident they understand the meaning. If you are not yet a Christian, you are welcome to watch but please do not eat or drink.
A short time to share news, events, and ways to get involved in our church community.
The leader ends the service and invites us to respond with words on the screen.
Afterwards, please stay and talk or join us for free morning tea refreshments. This is in the hall beside the church or outside if the weather is nice. Children and youth will be brought back to their parents at the morning tea area.
Kids’ and youth programs at St Luke’s 10.30
Children start with their families or friends. During the service, they are invited to go out to their programs with our trained leaders. The programs are in the hall beside the church building. Parents can take the children out and settle them in the hall. New families will be asked to register their children. The children return to you after the service during the morning tea area.
There is a small play space at the back of the church where parents can stay with young children while still listening to the service.
Glossary
Church can feel confusing if you’re new, especially if English isn’t your first language. Here’s a simple explanation of some of the words we often use.
Amen
This word means “I agree” or “Yes, I believe this.” People often say it at the end of a prayer.
Bible
The Bible is the book Christians believe is God’s Word to humans. It was written by human authors guided by God’s Spirit. It contains 66 smaller books and has two main sections:
- Old Testament – relating to the time before Jesus was born
- New Testament – relating to the time starting from Jesus’ birth
Christ
“Christ” means “God’s chosen king.” It is a title given to Jesus to show he is the King over everything.
Christian
A Christian is someone who trusts Jesus, follows him, and believes that his death and resurrection bring forgiveness from God and new life.
Church
“Church” usually means the group of people who follow Jesus and meet together. It can also mean the building where they meet.
Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper)
A symbolic meal where Christians eat bread and drink juice or wine to remember that Jesus died to give us life.
If you trust and follow Jesus, you are invited to join in. If you don’t yet trust Jesus, it is a good time for reflection.
Conversion
Becoming a Christian – turning from living without Jesus to trusting and following Jesus.
Forgiveness
God’s pardon for us even though we do wrong. We receive forgiveness by trusting in Jesus’ death on the cross for us.
Grace
Grace means receiving something good that we don’t deserve. God shows grace when he gives us forgiveness and new life through Jesus.
Heaven
The place where God is. We will be with God in heaven after we die – and that one day, God will bring heaven to earth.
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God. Christians believe there is one God in three persons:
- God the Father
- God the Son (Jesus)
- God the Holy Spirit
God the Holy Spirit helps Christians live for God.
Jesus
Jesus is both fully God and fully human. He lived in Israel 2,000 years ago, died on a cross, and rose again. Through Jesus, we see what God is like.
Justification
God declaring someone “right with him.” Christians believe this happens because of Jesus’ death, not because of anything we do.
Lord
“Lord” means ruler or king. Jesus is called “Lord” because he rules over everything.
Minister
Someone who leads, teaches, and cares for the church. At our church, this usually means someone trained and employed to serve.
New Testament
The second part of the Bible. It tells the story of Jesus, the early Christians, and how Christians are called to live.
Offering
Money given by Christians to help pay for the work of the church. Giving is voluntary. Visitors are not expected to give.
Old Testament
The first part of the Bible. It includes the history, laws, and promises of God before Jesus was born.
Parish
The area a church is responsible for. Our church is part of the Anglican Parish of Croydon, Concord and Burwood.
Rector
An older word used in Anglican churches for the senior minister of a parish.
Saviour
Someone who rescues. Christians believe Jesus is the Saviour who rescues us from sin and brings us back to God.
Service
A church service is an organised meeting for Christians to worship God through singing, prayer, Bible reading, and teaching.
Sin
Sin is anything we do, say, or think that goes against God’s ways. All people have sinned. Jesus died to take the punishment for our sin.
Worship
Giving God the honour he deserves – through our words, songs, prayers, and how we live our lives.
Questions You Might Have.
No – you are free to join in as much or as little as you like.
Anywhere you feel comfortable.
About 1 hour and 10 minutes.
It helps people learn each other’s names and feel more connected.
Whatever you feel comfortable in. There’s no dress code.
Yes. All our leaders are trained and approved under Safe Ministry policies, including government checks.
We use this information to care for your child well – for example, noting allergies or safety needs. It also lets us contact you if there’s a problem or to return lost property. Occasionally, we’ll email you updates about children’s programs.
No. We have a giving box and card machine for regular members, but we don’t expect visitors to give unless they want to.
You can talk to someone who welcomed you or join us for morning tea. We’d love to meet you and answer any questions.
